Homeless man says he is ‘living proof’ of Qld housing crisis
A man living on the streets for the first time says he is “living proof” of how easy things can get tough.
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A man living on the streets for the first time, says he is living proof of how unaffordable the housing situation is in Queensland.
Allan Ryder has been living on the streets for the past two months and has struggled to sleep as temperatures dropped to single digits in the first week of winter.
Just one week ago Mr Ryder set up a tent in Musgrave Park because he was told it would help get him a permanent home.
His tent is one of 12 that have recently popped up at Musgrave Park after more than 70 were moved to temporary accommodation by homeless providers before the Paniyiri Greek Festival.
“It’s super difficult for me to find a house. I wouldn’t be in the situation if it wasn’t,” he said.
“My living is proof of how hard it is.”
Mr Ryder used to be a concreter but is unable to work because of his broken arm. He said even if he used all his “talents” working it still wouldn’t be enough.
“No way did I think I’d be on the streets. I used to see it a lot but I never thought it would be me,” he said.
“I suppose it can happen to anyone.
“There are all sorts of people here, people with kids and families, and old people.”
■ Qld’s housing & homelessness questions answered
Over the past two nights, Mr Ryder, said it had been extremely difficult to sleep.
“It’s just been cold and noisy but it’s somewhere to sleep and it’s safe,” he said.
“It was freezing on Tuesday night. I couldn’t sleep, it was just that cold and I have a broken arm and my arm was just aching.
“I’d love to get a place to live before the cold really starts to kick in.”
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said nothing had changed in the way they were helping people.
“Our critical response team and government-funded services like Micah are in Musgrave Park almost every day and offer support when people are ready to accept it,” she said.
Originally published as Homeless man says he is ‘living proof’ of Qld housing crisis
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